Alexander Zverev opened his 2026 campaign in Acapulco riding the momentum from a strong showing at the Australian Open, where he pushed his semifinal match into a deciding set before losing to Carlos Alcaraz after a gruelling five‑hour battle.
Despite the defeat, Zverev described his performance in Melbourne as positive, saying his overall game and preparation are on the right track. He said that the loss came down to fatigue at the end of a long match but left him confident that the approach he and his team developed during the off‑season is working.
A key change for Zverev this year is a shift in style. Traditionally known for his physical strength and consistency in long rallies, he is now aiming to shorten points by playing a more aggressive brand of tennis. Zverev said he is focusing on hitting the ball harder, stepping into points earlier, and taking time away from his opponents rather than relying primarily on outlasting them.
His new strategy was evident in Acapulco, where he opened with a commanding straight‑sets win over Corentin Moutet, not facing a break point and winning with a strong serve performance. The victory extended his strong record at the tournament and demonstrated that his revamped style is translating into results on court.
Off the court, Zverev has been joined in Mexico by his young daughter, Mayla, reflecting a personal side to his season. He said he tries to protect her from the spotlight and social media attention, wanting her to enjoy a normal childhood even as he travels the tour.
Entering Acapulco as the top seed and an ATP 500 title contender, Zverev’s early success suggests that his aggressive plan could be an important component of his 2026 season. As the ATP Tour moves forward, his ability to adapt and assert control in matches may be key to how deep he goes in the bigger events.
